New Britain Police Commission To Discuss Hiring Chief

With barely two weeks left before Chief William Gagliardi is scheduled to retire, the police commission will convene a special meeting Thursday to discuss how to replace him.

Mayor Tim O'Brien plans to talk with the commission about appointing an interim chief to lead the department after Gagliardi leaves July 1. The group will also review the strategy for hiring a long-term replacement.

City officials have reportedly talked with at least two potential candidates for the interim post, but are not publicly discussing that. So far, O'Brien has not said whether he intends to select an interim chief from outside the agency or from within its ranks.

"No one is being ruled out," said Phil Sherwood, the mayor's aide.

Gagliardi's administration has been hampered by a series of scandals, federal lawsuits and setbacks in the past two years. The department is operating with numerous vacancies in the command staff and more than 30 unfilled positions for patrol officers and detectives. The agenda for Thursday evening includes a discussion of how to fill those jobs.

The commission is also scheduled to discuss in executive session the various federal lawsuits pending against Gagliardi and the city that have been filed by current and former officers.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at police headquarters at 125 Columbus Blvd.

The police department is scheduled to relocate to a new $39 million headquarters downtown late this fall. Many city leaders and police officers are hoping the agency will on track to rebuilding before then.